Overview: Soft Skills for Educators e-Learning

This interactive learning experience equips educators with effective strategies to proactively manage common classroom disruptions. By immersing learners in simulated scenarios, the project provides practical guidance for creating positive and productive learning environments. This project is a concept project and was not built for a real client.

Target Audience: New and returning teachers preparing for the upcoming school year.

Scope of Work: Instructional design, visual storytelling, interactive development, scriptwriting, graphic design, and character animation.

Tools: 

• Articulate Storyline

• Adobe XD

• Adobe Illustrator

• Mindmeister

• Audacity

• Vyond

The Problem

The Maple Community School District, a fictional school district, identified a growing concern regarding student discipline. Data analysis revealed a consistent upward trend in disciplinary referrals over the past several years, primarily attributed to disruptive classroom behavior. 

The Solution

To mitigate the rising number of disciplinary referrals stemming from classroom disruptions, the client sought to enhance teacher skills. To deliver training cost-effectively and consistently, I proposed an immersive, scenario-based e-learning module. This approach would expose teachers to common disruptive behaviors in a controlled environment, enabling them to practice effective management strategies before encountering real-world challenges. 

My Process

My instructional design process begins by clearly defining desired learning outcomes. This outcome-focused approach guides the development of engaging learning experiences. By leveraging adult learning principles such as self-directed and experiential learning, I am able to craft interactive scenarios, visual designs, and interaction that effectively engage the target learner. 

Action Map

To develop a robust action plan, I collaborated closely with a SME (building principal), leveraging their in-depth knowledge of classroom dynamics. Together, we focused on identifying concrete, measurable steps teachers could take to effectively address disruptive behaviors. This collaborative process led to a comprehensive list of potential actions, allowing for a broader scope of solutions. While not all ideas were ultimately incorporated into the final product, this initial brainstorming phase proved invaluable in identifying core strategies applicable to a variety of classroom challenges.

By shifting the focus from specific content knowledge to generalizable actions, we created a more versatile and adaptable training solution.

Text-based Storyboard

The storyboard was essential to establish a robust blueprint for the final product, as it would serve as the foundation for the entire e-learning experience. To create an authentic and impactful learning environment, I focused on crafting immersive scenarios that closely mirrored the complexities teachers face daily. By carefully considering the potential reactions of even the most challenging students, I aimed to develop realistic consequences for learners' choices, enhancing the overall authenticity of the experience. 

To provide ongoing support and guidance, I incorporated a mentor character named Dr. Lindell. This character serves as a virtual coach, offering encouragement and expertise throughout the learning journey. By modeling the importance of seeking mentorship, teachers are empowered to build a strong support network, fostering professional growth and resilience in the face of challenging classroom situations.

Visual Mockups

To create a cohesive visual package, I created a style guide and visual mock-up of each slide layout that would be used in the project.. This process enabled me to carefully plan and visualize the specific scenes and settings within the e-learning module. The visual mockups also allowed me to get feedback on the functionality of the visual package before building the full project. By adhering to user experience principles, I prioritized the development of intuitive and engaging visual layouts that would resonate with learners and enhance the overall learning experience. 

Interactive Prototype

When building the prototype, I crafted the placement of text boxes, text animations, and slide transitions – all crucial elements in creating a seamless and engaging user experience in Articulate Storyline. This iterative process – starting with a well-defined visual identity and refining it through prototyping – allowed for a more efficient and streamlined development cycle. By the time I reached the first branching decision point (the first question) within the storyline, the overall design and technical considerations were refined, paving the way for a smooth completion of the project. 

Full Development

Incorporating valuable feedback from peers and supervisors, I progressed to the full development of the e-learning module. To enhance the learning experience and create a more immersive environment, I integrated subtle audio cues, such as school bell sounds, animated video, and special visual layers. Maintaining a focus on smooth transitions and a clear, concise narrative, I aimed to keep learners engaged and focused on the learning objectives.